SPEAK is an unofficial organization of Hampton University students who are dedicated to ending homophobia and creating a safe space for LGBTQQA (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, questioning, queer, and allied) students.
No one's sexuality is assumed at SPEAK, and we strive to make sure that everyone's voice is heard.
Hampton University is a historically black university that was founded in 1868. According to the Hampton University Code of Conduct, each member of the Hampton Family is required "to prohibit discrimination, while striving to learn from differences in people, ideas, and opinions:"
Each member of the Hampton Family will support equal rights and opportunities for all regardless of age, sex, race, religion, disability, ethnic heritage, socio-economic status, political, social, or other affiliation or disaffiliation, or sexual preference.
At SPEAK, we believe that one meaningful way to uphold item 4 of the HU Code of Conduct is to educate ourselves and other students about why homophobia is harmful to all members of society, no matter what the sexual orientations of those members may be.
"Homophobia" is a term that was coined in the 1960's by a heterosexual psychologist and gay rights activist named George Weinberg (http://www.gaytoday.com/interview/110102in.asp). It refers to an irrational fear of homosexuality and people perceived to be homosexual, and can manifest itself in slurs, insults, and violence towards people perceived to be homosexual or supporters of equality for gay people.
At SPEAK, we believe that homophobia is the root cause of the perception of homosexuality as deviant; as members of a historically black institution, we want to help dispel the myths that surround homosexuality in black communities by providing this forum to build bridges between LGBTQ students and straight students at Hampton University. We want to help LGBTQ students feel affirmed in their identities and give straight students the tools they need to become allies in the broader movement to challenge homophobia.
Hopefully, readers of this blog will find it useful and enlightening!
We will post meeting dates and times soon, as well as interesting articles and links. Stay tuned and visit often to remain updated.
Namaste (the spirit in me acknowledges the spirit in you)
:)
2 comments:
I hope to be very involved in SPEAK on campus this year...I would have been last year..however i heard about it at the end of the year:( I support every aspect of this organization and im happy it exisit on HU's campus..bcs its really needed!!!Looking foward to seeing all of you...
Natasha Pollard:)
That is good to hear! If you can make our meeting on the 23rd of Oct., it'd be great to see you there!
-Sia
Post a Comment